Main Families
The main families within this superfamily include:
- Empididae – Dance flies or empid flies, often predatory and commonly found near moist environments.
- Dolichopodidae – Long-legged flies, shiny and metallic, active on sunlit leaves.
- Hybotidae – Small, dark, agile flies, predatory, and frequent in low vegetation.
Habitat
Empidoidea are often observed:
- Along streams and ponds
- In moist forests
- On low plants and sun-exposed leaves
Biology
In many species, adults are predators of flying insects. Larvae develop in moist soils, leaf litter, or decomposing organic matter. In some species, courtship involves complex behaviors, including the presentation of prey wrapped in silk.
Illustrations and photographic examples in preparation.